{"id":227349,"date":"2026-01-12T10:51:38","date_gmt":"2026-01-12T15:51:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/?p=227349"},"modified":"2026-01-12T14:26:58","modified_gmt":"2026-01-12T19:26:58","slug":"the-single-mom-of-mr-corys-cookies-fame-overcomes-adversity-and-rises-to-the-graduation-stage","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/2026\/01\/12\/the-single-mom-of-mr-corys-cookies-fame-overcomes-adversity-and-rises-to-the-graduation-stage\/","title":{"rendered":"The Single Mom of Mr. Cory\u2019s Cookies Fame Overcomes Adversity and Rises to the Graduation Stage"},"content":{"rendered":"

When Cookie Howard walks across the Prudential Center stage Tuesday at Montclair State University\u2019s Winter 2026 Commencement,<\/a> the moment will mark far more than the completion of a degree. It will represent decades of perseverance, reinvention and faith\u00a0\u2013 through foster care, single motherhood, entrepreneurship, homelessness and disability.<\/p>\n

A GED earner, Howard will receive her Bachelor of Arts in Family Science and Human Development<\/a> during the College for Community Health<\/a> portion of the ceremony. Her journey embodies the spirit of Montclair\u2019s graduates and mission: students who broaden access to opportunity and uplift others along the way.<\/p>\n

A Mother\u2019s Dream Becomes a National Brand<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Howard became a single mother at 16. Raised in Harlem in the foster care system, she wanted a different future for her young son, Cory Nieves so the two moved to Englewood, New Jersey, navigating daily life by bus. When 5-year-old Cory wished for a car to help them get around, he came up with an idea \u2013 selling hot chocolate and then cookies.<\/p>\n

Mr. Cory\u2019s Cookies<\/a> began at home. What followed was extraordinary. The mother-and-son business gained national attention, appearing in local, regional and national media, including O, The Oprah Magazine<\/a> and appearances on The Ellen Degeneres Show<\/em><\/a> and the reality TV show The Profit<\/em><\/a>. At its height, the company, which resulted in Howard\u2019s Cookie moniker, reportedly surpassed $1 million in sales.<\/p>\n

And then it all crumbled.<\/p>\n

Loss, Homelessness and Starting Again<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The COVID-19 pandemic halted sales. The business unraveled. Howard and her son lost their home and eventually moved into a shelter.<\/p>\n

\u201cI made it to the top and fell back down,\u201d Howard says. \u201cThat\u2019s a part of being an entrepreneur; it’s part of being human. I just pray that with the grace of God things will get better.\u201d<\/p>\n

Despite the ups and downs, Howard refused to give up \u2013 on herself or on education.<\/p>\n

Returning to School Against the Odds<\/strong><\/h2>\n

While still operating Mr. Cory\u2019s Cookies<\/a> and working odd jobs, Howard, 37, enrolled at Montclair as a non-traditional student, navigating financial instability, a documented learning disability and the daily realities of survival. There were moments when continuing felt impossible, particularly when her car \u2013 the 2015 Ford Escape gifted to her on Ellen<\/em> \u2013 broke down and she again faced eviction and homelessness.<\/p>\n

\u201cThese were times when everything felt dark, and I honestly didn\u2019t see a way out,\u201d she says. \u201cBut by God\u2019s grace, I was able to keep my apartment. I held on to the little bit of light I had left, and somehow, it shined right through.\u201d<\/p>\n

Melissa Pecora, Howard\u2019s EOF counselor and academic advisor, watched that perseverance firsthand. \u201cCookie has overcome countless challenges with remarkable resilience and determination. Despite the obstacles she\u2019s faced, she continues to rise above them and has shown that challenges can become opportunities for future success,\u201d she says. \u201cI have watched her excel academically while achieving significant personal milestones.\u201d<\/p>\n

“Cookie exemplifies a unique balance of grit, creativity and unrelenting drive. She is an inspiration to all scholars, particularly those adult learners who may be reluctant to enroll in college.” ~ Daniel Jean, Associate\u00a0 Provost for Educational Opportunity and Success Programs<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Three Buses, No Internet, No Excuses<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Unable to afford the car repairs or an internet connection, she left home three hours early, taking three buses to campus to make her 9 a.m. class. Using the internet on campus, Howard routinely stayed late into the evening, juggling class assignments and her internship and leadership of the Adult Student Advocacy Program (ASAP).<\/p>\n

From her warmth and humor, few would know her struggles, as her light also illuminated others.<\/p>\n

\u201cI’ve had students come to the office asking for her or mentioning how much she helped them,\u201d says Meghan Hearns, director of the Disability Resource Center, where Howard is a constant presence.<\/p>\n

Advocacy as a Calling<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Howard\u2019s impact at Montclair extends far beyond the classroom. She became a mentor and presenter for students connected to the Disability Resource Center, spoke at the Disability Awareness Month flag-raising ceremony, and earned the prestigious Charlotte W. Newcombe Scholarship for Students with Disabilities.<\/p>\n

Her most lasting contribution, however, is the Adult Student Advocacy Program \u2013 a support network she founded to help non-traditional students navigate school while balancing work, family and life challenges.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdult students have a lot of stuff that’s going on in our lives,\u201d Howard says. \u201cWe sometimes feel like no one cares, but we have to open our mouths and say, \u2018Hey, I need help.\u2019 People want to help you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Cookie
Cookie Howard ponders her brighter future as she prepares to graduate from Montclair.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A Tribe That Wouldn\u2019t Let Her Quit<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Despite the hardship, Howard persisted with the help of the people around her.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt took a tribe of people to get involved and say, \u2018We believe in you,\u2019\u201d she says. \u201cThat gave me the confidence to continue.\u201d<\/p>\n

Support came from people on and off campus. Howard credits and is grateful for the many who helped her, including Associate Vice President and Dean of Students Margaree Coleman-Carter, whom she credits for making her internship possible, Office of Student Belonging Assistant Dean Jonnine DeLoatch, and a host of\u00a0 professors, advisors and even University Police \u2013 some of whom, she says, bought her meals, pitched in for car repairs or other needs. She also credits her church family at Mount Olive Baptist Church in Hackensack, some of whom will be at Commencement, for helping her get to the graduation stage.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey just didn’t give up on me,\u201d Howard says. \u201cI kept holding on, and I’m happy I did.\u201d<\/p>\n

Academic Advisor Natalia Pizarro-Valencia<\/a> credits Howard\u2019s \u201chard work, perseverance and commitment to learning\u201d to accomplish her goal. \u201cIt\u2019s been a truly humbling experience to support Cookie throughout her academic journey. Witnessing her effort, growth and dedication has been both inspiring and rewarding.\u201d<\/p>\n

Looking Ahead, Giving Back<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Howard\u2019s plans to continue her post-graduate studies. She\u2019s considering attending Drew University, where she\u2019s been accepted. Her goals include community activism, philanthropy and humanitarian work \u2013 \u201cpastoral work without the collar,\u201d as she puts it.<\/p>\n

\u201cI want to work with single mothers and at-risk kids,\u201d she says. \u201cThat\u2019s why I\u2019m going for my Master of Divinity.\u201d<\/p>\n

As she crosses the stage January 13, Howard\u2019s journey affirms that with resilience \u2013 and the right support \u2013 students at Montclair State University can transform adversity into achievement.<\/p>\n

Story by Sylvia A. Martinez<\/strong><\/a> Photography by University Photographer Mike Peters<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n

This story is part of a series celebrating Montclair State University\u2019s graduates \u2013 students who embody the University\u2019s <\/em>mission<\/em><\/strong><\/a> to broaden access to exceptional learning opportunities and contribute to the common good.<\/em><\/p>\n

Ready to Start Your Montclair Journey?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Prospective students:<\/strong> Learn more about Montclair\u2019s Family Science and Human Development<\/a> or explore other College for Community Health<\/a> programs.<\/p>\n

Journalists:<\/strong> Contact Montclair\u2019s Media Relations team<\/a> for assets or to schedule an interview on this topic<\/p>\n

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